In a nail-biting, rough-and-tumble match that went into extra time tied, 0-0, Spain broke through and scored in the 116th minute on Andres Iniesta’s goal.
The match was quite physical, as there were a record-number of yellow cards handed out. The Netherlands’ gameplan was to be aggressive and it eventually led to a red card that gave Spain a one-man advantage and led to Iniesta’s goal.
The funny thing is that the Netherlands could have won 2-0 had Arjen Robben capitalized on a pair of second half one-on-one opportunities at goal. But Spain’s excellent goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, turned him away both times.
In fairness, Spain blew a couple of nice opportunities at well. It was just an ugly match between two very good teams, and Spain did a better job of controlling the ball. Unfortunately, it’s not the type of match that is going to win any soccer converts in the U.S., but at least the World Cup wasn’t decided by penalty kicks.
This is the first time Spain has won the World Cup, while the Netherlands falls to 0-3 in World Cup Finals.
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Sorry,
I tried to watch this thru the vousvelas drilling a whole in my cranium but it was painfull. Will somebody please score ? How many 1- or 0-0 games did have to sit thru ? Officiating sucked and so do some of the rules. The game is largely played in the midle of the field. How about some freakin shots on goal. Most of the US don’t care about this game – and I agree.
I root for the US vs anybody in World games or Olympics. But this game is lame.Sorry.I’m goin off on a stretcher now …..